THE TRUTH ABOUT THE WOOL INDUSTRY

When I went to purchase a new rug for my living room a few months back, I recall how beautiful the rugs made of wool were. I can see how it could be easy during those moments of want to get caught up in desires of material possessions and make such a purchase. But to what expense? The expense that animals must be abused, suffer and die for my wants? I'm so thankful I know what I do about the wool industry. I wouldn't dare want my money going into the pockets of those who abuse, torture and violently kill animals. I went with a gorgeous twine rug instead. ~ Sarah

WOOL
Most people do not give second thought to purchasing wool products because it's assumed that no cruelty could be involved with what is imagined to be the simple act of sheering sheep for their wool. The unfortunate truth is that there is much cruelty involved.

NATURAL SHEEP
Sheep in their natural habitat produce just enough wool to protect them from temperature extremes. During the appropriate season, wild sheep shed their wool naturally.

DOMESTIC SHEEP
Domestic sheep are genetically manipulated to produce unnatural thick coats so heavy that many of the animals die from heat exhaustion during the hotter months. Unlike sheep found in the wild, domestic sheep cannot shed their fleece. As the wool continues to grow, fly's burrow deep into the wool and lay their eggs on the skin of the sheep. Maggots can eat the sheep alive.

MULESING
To prevent the sheep from being eaten alive by maggots, ranchers perform what is referred to as mulesing. Large strips of flesh are cut from at the back of the lambs around the tail area without the use of anesthesia.

There are other procedures performed without anesthesia which include punching holes in the years of young lambs, cutting off their tails and castrating baby males between 2 and 8 weeks of age.

Mulesing

SHEARING
Shearing takes place in the spring and most often when the temperatures are to cold. An estimated one million sheep die each year due to pre mature exposure of the cold.

Shearers are not paid by the hour but by volume therefore encouraging fast work without any regard to the welfare of the animal. Ears, tails, teats and strips of skin are cut or ripped off during the shearing process.

HOLDING PENS AND TRANSPORTATION
When sheep no longer produce enough wool they are sent to the slaughter house. Millions of sheep are exported for slaughter each year. Many must travel long distances without food or water dying on journey or in holding pens. Lambs born during trips are often trampled to death. When they reach the slaughter houses many sheep are conscious while being dismembered alive.

INVESTIGATIONS
Many investigations have gone underway to reveal what goes on in the shearing sheds. Shearers punch, kick, stomp on sheep and zap them in the face with electric clippers. Shearers have been caught purposely breaking a lambs neck and another hitting the animals head with a hammer.

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VIDEO FOOTAGE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9gKaB3pssY&list=PLV2RDOhiGtcQifRWg8Qs-E2nMhPGHQL3T

VIDEO FOOTAGE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DPdgOWnz1w


For more information, you can visit the following link:

• http://www.savethesheep.com by PETA
• Sheep by Animal Liberation Victoria
• http://www.veganviews.org.uk/vv77/vv77wool.html by Vegan Views

IT COSMETICS ( IT-02 Liquid Foundation & IT CC+ Cream) REVIEW

IT -02 Ultra Repair Liquid Oxygen Foundation

RETAIL $38 USD

About this product:  This liquid foundation gives and airbrushed look that works on all ages and skin types. Formulated to deliver oxygen to the skin, IT-CO2 Ultra Repair Liquid Foundation gives sheer to build able full coverage. Proved to increase skin hydration buy 71%  and packed with anti aging ingredients including, peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, niacin, hyaluronic acid, grapes oil, plus vitamins A,C& E. Paraben-free, talc free, sulfate free, fragrance free. 

Review:  I'm really impressed with this foundation. I love that it is full of good for your skin ingredients. Leaves my skin feeling hydrated and for that I am ever grateful. I highly recommend this to anyone who has dry skin. I find it to be medium coverage which I love. Of course you can build more coverage if you prefer. It does have a bit of a dewy glow after applying so you may want to dab on a little powder. In my case I dab on a little of my cruelty free Younique matte cream foundation to cut that hint of glow I'm currently not after. I highly recommend anyone looking for a good foundation no matter what your skin type to try out the IT Cosmetics line. It is by far one of the best cosmetic brand lines available. 

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IT CC+ CREAM SPF 50+

RETAIL PRICE $38 USD

About this product:  Developed by leading plastic surgeons, this all in one multi tasking product that gives full, flawless coverage. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ is a Full Coverage Color Correcting Cream, Anti Aging Serum. Infused with cutting edge anti-aging technology and proven to improve skin texture, brightness and increase skin hydration by 79%. Highly pigmented to cover  and camouflage skin imperfections. Does not crease or crack in fine lines.

Comes in shades Fair, Light, Medium, Tan, Rich. All It Cosmetic products are PETA approved and not tested on animals. 

For those who may not know, the abbreviated "CC" stands for Color Correction. IT Cosmetics designed CC + color correcting formulae to hide skin imperfections, age spots to hyper pigmentation.

It's the same application process as applying foundation to the entire face.  

Review: I personally think it's a great idea to ask for sample cups of the products your interested in before investing a good sum of money into a cosmetic you may not care for. I asked for a sample cup of the Light CC+ Cream at ULTA cosmetics (as pictured above). I got 3 uses out of this sample and found each time it was easy to apply, smooth and left my skin feeling hydrated. Though designed to give full coverage, I found it delivers a light to medium coverage which provides a natural look and subtle glow which I think is much more preferable than heavy coverage. 

My overall opinion is that IT Cosmetics has designed some excellent high end products. 

As much as I think both the CC+ Cream and the IT -O2 Liquid Oxygen Foundation are fantastic,  the IT -02 is what I like best. 

For further information on this product, please see:

https://www.itcosmetics.com/top-10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiaYI1oYaKQ

BWC (Beauty Without Cruelty) Cosmetics

IT has been over 50 years that BWC has kept their commitment form the beginning to provide cruelty free cosmetics. "In 1963, Beauty Without Cruelty was founded in England by the trustees of BWC Charitable Trust, an animal welfare organization. It's goal was to manufacture and distribute natural, color cosmetics that were NOT tested on animals (as was the norm) and did NOT contain any animal ingredients. The driving force behind the project was Katherine Long, a dedicated, life-long animal welfare activist, a cosmetician, and a vegetarian. Together with Noel Gabriel, Katherine developed the first, full line of cruelty-free color cosmetics."

Product Information

• No animal testing
• Vegan-Vegetarian
• Products made with natural ingredients
• Paraben, Phthalate free
• Fragrance, Formaldehyde & Gluten free

Considering BWC is a leading company in the UK, I have observed that in the US we are limited to but a few choice products in local stores. However for those of us who don't mind shopping online, the variety of cosmetics BWC offers is far more abundant than I thought! They have everything from hair and body care to lipstick and nail polish.

Natural Infusion Lip Stick Color Samples 

Attitude Nail Color Samples

To view fantastic product options by this brand please visit:

www.beautywithoutcruelty.com
www.facebook.com/BWCCcosmetics

DermOrganic 100% Vegan and Cruelty Free

DermOrganic formulations are based around naturally derived ingredients that replicate the elements hair and skin use to replenish, refresh and maintain youthful vigor. Their regimen is based on the idea that less is more and that makes complete sense! 

Product Information

• products made without animal by-products and are never tested on animals
• products are vegan
• products contain no sulfates, glycols, DEA, MEA, dyes or food coloring
• products are Gluten free
• products contain no artificial preservatives. Paraben free.
• products made without salt, sodium chloride or other artificial thickeners

HAIR

DermOrganic Argan Hair Oil Treatments are the new beauty ritual for unparalleled performance. Their argan oil is cold pressed from the fruit of the Argan tree, and is rich in omega-6, antioxidants, and vitamin E. It creates a protective barrier against the damaging effects of heat, sun and wind to restore a healthy and natural shine. 

These professional formulas combine the healing properties of the ancient and highly revered argan oil with the advance therapeutic qualities of rice amino acids and grape seed extract to repair, smooth and soften hair. 

Hair Oil Treatements are provided from both Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave in Treatment products. 

SKIN

DermOrganic Skin Care products are both oil and fragrance free. Nutritive benefits of Argan fruit without pore clogging effect. 

Derm Organics can be purchased at Ulta, Target, Walmart, the DermOrganic website (listed below) and from other distributors.

To view fantastic product options by this brand please visit:

www.dermorganic.com

www.facebook.com/DermOrganic

Butter London, Cruelty Free, Cheeky Cream Bronzer

About this product: Cheeky Cream Bronzer is a sheer lightweight formula designed to nourish skin while giving you that sun kissed glow. Contains Grapeseed oil to hydrate and project a natural looking glow. Formulated without use of parabens or phthalates. 

Retail Price $24 

Review:  I'm so happy I found this product because I had been searching high and low to find a bronzer that would deliver a natural hint of color to my skin without creating to much glow or luminosity.  I'm using it in place of blush and love the natural sun kissed look it gives. 

This is also my first time trying a cream bronzer.  I wasn't sure if I would like it in comparison to mineral bronzers and thought it might be somewhat difficult to apply. Turns out it delivers a smooth finish and is easily applied with a few gentle strokes of a brush. I use my ecotools cruelty free blush brush, (pictured below) and it works great. A large buffer brush would work nicely as well to buff cheekbones. If you're looking for a natural bronzer, I highly recommend trying this one out. Go cruelty free!

PACIFICA NATURAL COSMETICS 100% VEGAN & CRUELTY FREE

I love when I find a cosmetic line that is entirely vegan, cruelty free and uses natural products. Bonus points for PACIFICA!

PACIFICA TUSCAN BLOOD ORANGE BODY BUTTER

Retail Price: $15 for 8 oz

About this product: Made with Natures best moisturizers, Shea butter, Almond Oil and Safflower Oil. Blood Orange body butter is offset with subtle Strawberry and Raspberry notes and grounded in flesh Mandarin and Italian Sweet Orange. Helps fight sings of aging. Paraben free.

Review: This is literally one of the most amazing scents I have ever smelt of any moisturizing body butter out there. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! What more can I say other than you've got to try this for yourself! 

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PACIFICA RADIANT SHIMMER COCONUT MULTIPLES

Retail Price: $14

About this product: Made with coconut extract, Vitamin E and Safflower Oil. This multi purpose pack of creamy coconut infused colors is for cheeks, lips and eyes. You can create shimmering highlights, glowing illumination and contour those areas where you want to add definition. Can be used sheer or built up for a more dramatic look.

Review:  What's great about this product is that it's natural looking. I like it when makeup doesn't look like makeup if you know what I mean. This is a great trio for playing with shadow or highlighting  effects on both cheeks and eyes. You can get really creative with it. Works great on fair skin and adds gentle color on tanned skin. I love how PACIFICA uses natural ingredients. Makes me feel better about what I'm applying to my skin. 

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Pacifica cosmetics can be purchased at Target. You can check out other great finds at: 

http://www.pacificabeauty.com

OVER 90% OF FAUX FUR IS REAL

FUR

Winter is here and you know what that means... the good old fashioned fur jackets are coming out of the closet. It blows me away that these jackets come back season after season and more specifically the jackets with the fur trim collar. So many have purchased or will purchase a jacket with fur that I seriously have to wonder what happened to the idea of being unique! 

Millions of animals such as cats, cogs, fox and raccoon are being brutally tortured (skinned alive, electrocuted, beaten) and killed for their fur. One does not have to look far on the internet to find the video footage and literature that will verify these truths. 

OVER 90% OF FAUX FUR IS REAL! 

We know that most of our clothing is manufactured in China, but are you aware that China has no law which governs what is printed on clothing labels? For example, a jacket labeled as being made with fox fur is often in actuality a jacket made of dog fur.  Another example is that of coats, boots and gloves with fur labelled as fake or synthetic when in reality it is real. Over 90% of faux fur is real. 

FUR FARMS

50 million animals are killed for fur worldwide every year. Approximately 74% of that fur comes from fur farms. China produces 85% of the fur on the planet and has no animal welfare laws to protect animals. 

In these fur farms, animals such as mink, rabbits, cats and dogs are forced to spend their entire lives breed and confined to filthy cages, constantly pacing back and forth from stress and boredom. They exhibit stress behavior such as self mutilation and cannibalism, demonstrating that intense confinement drives them insane. 

Of the 50 million animals killed, over 2 million are dogs and cats. Investigators documented 50,000 to 100,000 cat pelts stockpiled at animal byproduct factories in China. At least ten dogs are slaughtered to make a single coat, more if puppies are used. Up to 24 cats are slaughtered to make one fur coat. Dog and cat fur is used in trims, linings, hats, decorative figurines, and fold remedies. Skins are used in dog chew toys and shoe leather.

MY THOUGHTS IN CLOSING

I observed one day at the mall how nearly every 5 in 10 people had a jacket with a fur trim collar. I thought if only these people knew what they were wearing! It's so important that we get this information out there.

I strongly recommend no assumption be made as to whether an item with fur is real or not. In order to truly verify authenticity, a fur analysis is required. My personal feeling is that even if it were truly fake, what a poor example it is to sport any clothing with fur. I would encourage anyone with a fur jacket to donate it to the less fortunate. 

Please see: http://www.peta.org/donate/ways-to-support-peta/donate-fur/

Please choose to not wear fur. 

furisdead.com

COMPANIES TO AVOID:

NORDSTROM 

BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY

MACY'S

TARGET 

WALMART

HUGO BOSS

KOHL'S CORPORATION

BURBERRY 

CHANEL 

COACH

GUCCI

DONNA KAREN

GORGIO ARMANI

LVMH

KELLWOOD COMPANY

MARC JACOBS INTERNATIONAL

MICHAEL KORS

NEIMAN MARCUS

Dermalogica Skin Care Treatment Experience

Whether it's a complication with dry skin, aging skin or a type of skin disorder, most of us are looking to remedy a facial skin concern.  

Dermalogica is a skin care company that has a range of facial products such as moisturizers, cleansers, exfoliants, masques, toners etc. They also have professional dermatologist you can visit for hands on facial treatments. 

Personally I'm not overly fond of the idea of someone poking at my face (or so I envision) but when I was given the opportunity to have a facial done by a nice lady who works on behalf of Dermalogica  as a dermatologist, I took it. 

Some may be surprised to discover that many ULTA beauty salons have a small spa room catered to giving people Dermalogica skin care treatments. It's a very relaxing atmosphere and not what I expected. The lights are dim with soft music playing which takes you away from the hustle of the salon and store itself. 

The lady removed all makeup except around the eyes as she gave me the option to leave it on. I figured I didn't want to walk out of the store looking like a complete freak, haha.

 The treatment was to address any skin concerns. As always, my biggest concern was my dry skin. As facial techniques were preformed, she talked her way through so that I would understand what she was doing. To my relief there was no poking involved and treatment was very gentle and soothing. By the end my skin felt pampered and above all fresh and clean. A substance was applied that seemed to slightly tighten my face and also left my skin feeling dewy.  

To get a visual on the type of treatments provided please see:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G6cUFdqQQQ 

Below you can view the skin treatments menu offered in ULTA salons. I was given the 20 minute "Dermalogica Micro Zone Targeted Treatment" valued at $25.

For anyone interested in skin treatment, my brief experience says to go for it. You and your skin deserve to be pampered at least once in a while! 

Don't forget that Dermalogica is entirely cruelty free! Make sure to try out their products for your skin concerns. I am greatly looking forward to doing so myself.

As much fun as it can be to discover new cosmetics and share them with you, it often hits me as to the real reason I do makeup reviews. It is for purpose of educating people about the reality and truth of the cosmetic industry and the hope of encouraging people to go cruelty free.  It may be hard to fathom that eyeliner or lipstick could really put an animal through tremendous suffering, however when you dig deeper you will find the cosmetic industry holds despicable dirty secrets.

Most lab animals are born into captivity. They never breathe fresh air, see sunshine, experience any form of freedom and are never loved. They are helpless to the forced experiments they must endure almost always resulting in death. Some of these experiments include breathing in fumes, pouring liquid into eyes and vivisection.

Director of PETA'S Laboratory Investigations Department Justin Goodman says, " They have chemicals dripped into their sensitive eyes and applied to their raw skin and often without any pain relief". He further stated, "Animals are force-fed increasing amounts of a substance until 50 percent of them die," and "Animals in the highest-dose groups may endure severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, convulsions, seizures, paralysis, and bleeding from the nose, mouth and genitals before they ultimately die."

Communications director Wendy Higgins of Humane Society International says that an estimated 50,000 animals die annually. She states, "The law doesn't recognize laboratory birds, rats and mice as "animals" that require recording in national statistics. As mice and rats make up a very large proportion of the animals typically used in cosmetic testing, you can imagine how much this affects the figures".

Is there hope cosmetic testing will end?

The Humane Cosmetics Act is seeking to ban all animal testing for cosmetics in the USA. To date 130 companies have pledged full support against testing. The United States however is lagging behind as 28 countries in the European Union as well as, India, Noway and Israel all have banned animal testing.

PETA is working with China to end animal experimentation. As you can imagine a great number of companies manufacture their cosmetics in China of which by law the Chinese government requires cosmetic animal experimentation.

Next time you spritz on your perfume, touch up that lipstick, spray your hair curls into place, spare a good moment to think of the innocent creatures in laboratories awaiting the next agonizing test. It is my sincere hope that we will leave our conscience clear by purchasing from companies that know what true beauty is. If our Eastern brothers and sisters can make this happen, so can we!

To check if your cosmetics are cruelty free please visit:
PETA'S BASE: http://features.peta.org/cruelty-free-company-search/index.aspx
LEAPING BUNNY: http://www.leapingbunny.org/indexcus.php

The Balm Cosmetics are Cruelty Free!!

I often say that I was born in the wrong era. I absolutely love the 50's! So when I discovered the balm cosmetics, I was immediately drawn to the adorable packaging. Better yet is what's inside each cosmetic pack. Today I'm going to share with you some of the beautiful blush selections the Balm has to offer.


First up...                                          

                            "How about them Apples"

Anyone for some apple cider? I seriously have to say that I find this palette comical.  I mean look at these hotties, don't they just make your day;) This multi functioning palette is designed for both cheeks and lips. How cool is that! The formulae for each pick contains apple extracts and delivers a luminous finish that won't smudge or streak. Palette contains 6 colors. 

Cider: A light peach with a hint of pink with luminous shine

Pie: Pinky-red color with luminous shine

Candy: Bubble gum pink with luminous shine

Cobbler: Bright and sticking orange toned red with shine

Crisp: Warm coral with shimmering finish

Caramel: Orange-brown with luminous finish

Retail $32.00 for 0.70 oz   

Please see: http://www.thebalm.com

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Next we have "Instain" blush beauties by the Balm. Look how gorgeous these are! These are a long wearing, staining powder blush made to last throughout the day. I love how a wide variety of natural looking blushes are available to choose from. My favorite is, Swiss Dot Peach. 

Retail $22.00 for 5.5grams

Please see: http://www.thebalm.com

Swiss Dot (Peach)

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Here are 3 other stunning blushes by the Balm. These are a blush and shadow all in one. Rave reviews on these ones...ladies are loving them!

Cabana Boy: Dusty Rose with Plum undertones. Light Shimmer.

DownBoy:  Baby Pink. Detectable Shimmer.

Fratboy:  Coral Color. (Appears a peach color in the pan but once applied is a coral color with punch!)

Retail price: $22 for 8.5 grams

Please see: http://www.thebalm.com

I hope this encourages us ladies to check out these beautiful blushes and more excellent cruelty free options the Balm has to offer. Have fun finding cosmetic goodies! xox

Andalou Body Lotion, Citrus Verbena

Originally I bought this lotion for my husband because he was complaining about his dry hands. Of course being the cosmetic guru in the house I set out to save the day. I wanted to purchase something that contained natural ingredients which I knew he would appreciate. For anyone familiar with Harvest Health Foods, this is where I discovered the lotion although later realized it's available in several common stores.

About this product: Renews, repairs and regenerates cells for visible results.  Invigorating citrus verbena, organic aloe vera, apricot and sunflower oils, effectively hydrate and replenish to nourish, soothe, and soften dry skin. Non GMO. Organic. Leaping Bunny Certified. 11 oz. Retail price: $11.00 (Health Food stores tend to be more expensive but I did get in on sale for $8.00)

As I have become more familiar with the cosmetic benefits of fruit, the idea of using products with fruit extracts continues to intrigue me. Fruit ingredients include:

• lime extract which is nourishing and protecting. 
• Apple and Grape cells cultivated with a new cell technology by PhytoCellTec. These cells contain  antioxidants and anti aging properties.  
• An 8 berry complex of certified Organic Acai Berry, Bearberry, Black Elderberry, Aronia Berry, Bilberry, Goji Berry, Rosehips and Sea Buckthorn Berry.  These super berries combat environmental stressors, cell turnover and strengthen dermal immunity.

I love the benefits of fruit!

Review: What first attracted me to this product was the way it felt when I applied it to my hands. I received immediate results of soft, smooth skin which felt and looked nothing short of miraculous (I'm not exaggerating). I absolutely love it's unique fresh citrus scent. I say unique due to what must be the natural smelling ingredients contained with in.

The other day my husband discovered his bottle of lotion in my vehicle. Apparently he wondered where it had tip toed off to. Oopsy! I have yet to find a product that helps recover my dry skin so well as Andalou. 

The above picture says it all... with a growing number of vegans on the rise, we are further being catered to!

Here's a list of some of the best vegan and cruelty free foundations available on the market today.
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Face Atelier Ultra Foundation: Leaping Bunny and PETA approved. A highly pigmented, long-lasting innovative foundation that provides buildable coverage with a natural satin finish. Silicone-based Ultra Foundation is sheer enough for younger women, yet can meet the needs of anyone that requires more coverage. It’s an out-standing performer on mature, troubled or sensitive skin. Due to its unique blend of silicones in the formulation, Ultra Foundation forms a delicate, lightweight and flexible second skin with a natural breathing ability. Retail Price $34 

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation: Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment. Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage.  Retail Price $42

Too Faced Beauty Balm: Instantly impart a healthy glow and improve skin's appearance with sheer luminosity and a concealing, buildable tint. Soothing, oil-free moisture, antioxidants and SPF protection help to improve skin's condition and prevent future damage. This super-advanced, multi-benefit time saver from Too Faced streamlines your routine, giving you 'better than real' skin in just one step! Retail Price $34

Hourglass Liquid Powder Foundation: A breakthrough liquid to powder formula that absorbs oil, camouflages imperfections, and delivers a long-lasting velvet matte finish—without the need for touchups. In a consumer study, Immaculate’s advanced formula has been shown to improve the appearance of oily, acneic skin. Available in 16 shades. Retail Price: $55

Obsessive Compulsive OCC Tint: A highly-pigmented, tinted moisturizer that evens skintone with buildable coverage. 
Featuring a unique moisturizing complex made from purified water, coconut, and wild berry extracts, this foundation product nourishes as well as hydrates skin. Formulated from the finest vegan ingredients available, this product is also formulated with aloe leaf extract and vitamin E for coverage that feels as good as it looks. Retail: $29.50

Tarte Full Coverage Foundation: Achieve flawless skin that looks healthy and natural with this supremely blendable liquid foundation that delivers up to 12 hours of matte coverage while protecting the skin from powerful UVA/UVB sun rays. Retail Price: $38

Cover FX Cream Foundation: An antioxidant-rich, two-in-one foundation and concealer offering broad spectrum SPF 30 protection with medium to full, buildable coverage. This foundation provides an all-day radiant finish that nourishes and protects with antiaging benefits. The buildable formula can provide medium to full coverage and offers SPF 30, full UV protection, and all-day wear. This clinically tested, vegan product does not contain gluten, mineral oil, or talc. Retail Price:$42

Ecco Bella FlowerColor Natural Liquid Foundation: Works hard to keep skin healthy with both a UVA /UVB sunscreen, organic herbs, and antioxidants. Organic aloe vera quenches thirsty skin, while saccharide isomerate, a natural sugar bind water to the skin acting as a reservoir for continuous moisture. Organic herbs and vitamin E rejuvenate, protect and soothe skin. Gluten, vegan & paraben-free. Retail $29.95

All Natural Face Foundation:  Leaping Bunny Approved. This line of cosmetics uses organic and natural ingredients. Choose from over 50 shades each of mineral powder or cream foundation. I encourage those who are seeking organic and natural products to check out the All Natural site. Please see: http://www.theallnaturalface.com   Retail price pressed powder: $16.10 

Purely Cosmetics Mineral Foundation:  Another line of cosmetics using all natural ingredients. Mineral Foundations vailable in 9 different shades. Please see: http://www.purelycosmetics.com/index.php  Retail Price: $18 

Halloween Kitty Cat Makeup

I love this time of year...the crisp smell of autumn, leaves changing to an abundance of beautiful colors and the fact that I get to dress up for Halloween! I'm going to be a Black Puma Cat. I know it's a pretty typical costume but I love the idea of doing this at least once. 

To achieve this look I'm using Butter London cruelty free cosmetics. First up, "Gobsmaked" nail polish. I have never in my life purchased such dark nail lacquer but I'm loving the look this season. Not only is it fun for halloween but it's a trendy color currently in style for a variety of fashion statements from business casual to rocker chic.

About this product:  A heavily pigmented charcoal grey glitter nail lacquer with a slightly textured finish. Butter London's polishes are created for the the catwalk and help to protect and nourish nails. Gobsmaked is just one of over 60 colors they have to offer in addition to a variety of indulgences for your hands, feet and lips. 

Review: I really love Butter London. I suggest using 2-3 coats to make it last longer. They have a great variety of colors to choose from and the fact that they don't use some of the typical chemical found in polishes is a huge bonus. Dries quickly which is great. Retail price $14 for  0.4 oz. I wish it was cheaper! 

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Another one of my cosmetic favorites is Butter London's Lippy Lip Gloss in, "Tea with the Queen". 

About this product:

Butter London's nourishing formula moisturizes and protects with shea butter and vitamin E.  Lipstick and lip gloss all in one. 

Review:

"Tea with the Queen" is a light tan color. It's texture is smooth and moisturizing. Some may think the liquid to be rather thick so a little goes a long way. It has a soft sweet scent and I love how it has a gentle shine unlike glosses that contain lots of glitter. Retail price $18. 

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(Whiskers, under eye diamonds and "meow" are all facial stickers).

Cheeks: Too Faced, Sun Bunny Bronzer

Mascara: Elf, Volume Plumping Mascara in Black

Eye liner: Elf eyeliner in Black

Faux leather heels to purr...fect the look.

Purchased at RUE 21 on sale for $18

I'm aways looking for a bargain because

 momma taught me well.